Jerry Greenfield

Jerry Greenfield is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, the iconic ice cream company renowned for its creative flavors and commitment to social activism. Born on March 14, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, Greenfield met his future business partner, Ben Cohen, in seventh-grade gym class. In 1978, the duo opened their first ice cream shop in a converted gas station in Burlington, Vermont, after completing a $5 ice cream-making correspondence course from Pennsylvania State University. Their venture quickly gained popularity, leading to national recognition for both their product and their progressive business practices .

Beyond creating beloved flavors like Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey, Greenfield and Cohen built a company rooted in values. They emphasized a two-part bottom line, measuring success not only by profits but also by their contributions to the community and the environment. This approach led to initiatives such as donating a portion of profits to social causes and advocating for environmental sustainability. Their commitment to social responsibility earned them the James Beard Humanitarian of the Year Award in 1993 and the Peace Museum’s Community Peacemakers of the Year Award in 1997 .

One of Greenfield’s notable quotes is:

"If it's not fun, why do it?"

This reflects his belief in infusing joy into work and life. Another insightful quote is:

"We believe in the power of ice cream to bring people together."

This underscores the company's mission to use ice cream as a medium for fostering community and connection. Greenfield’s legacy continues to inspire entrepreneurs and activists alike, demonstrating that business success can go hand in hand with positive social impact.